Electric switch



ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Dec. 24, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 19,1932. J MEUER 1,854,211

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Dec. 24, 1930 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 J/A HIE- .3a

Patented Apr. 19, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GONSIN, ASSIGNOR TO CUTLER-HAMMER,

A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE ELECTRIC SWITCH Application filed December 24, 1930. Serial No. 504,605.

This invention relates to improvements in electric switches and the same relates more particularly to electric snap switches of the toggle type.

An object of the invention is to provide a snap switch mechanism adapted to control electrical circuits of relatively high current carrying capacity and wherein the parts of the switch mechanism are compactly arranged and of extremely small size.

Another object is to provide novel means for minimizing arcing between the stationary and movable contacts of the switch mechanism.

Another object is to provide means to eliminate bouncing or vibration of the stationary and or movable contacts during circuit making and breaking operations of the switch.

Another and more specific object is to provide a switch of the aforementioned character the parts of which may be inexpensively grlincsltructed and readily and quickly asseme Another object is to provide a novel form of movable contactor and improved and simplified supporting and actuating means therefor.

Another object is to provide novel supporting means for the actuating lever of the switch.

Another object is to enable utilization of substantially identical parts in constructing switches having different electrical functions.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

The accompanying drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the invention which will now be described, it being understood that the embodiments illustrated are susceptible of modification in the details of construction thereof without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a view, slightly in perspective, showing the actual size of a 10- ampere toggle snap switch constructed in accordance with my invention,the switch being shown attached to a suitable support. In

all of the other figures the switch parts are shown enlarged for clarity of illustration.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the switch illustrated in Fig. 1, with the several parts in separated relation.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view, on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2, with the switch parts assembled.

Fig. 4 is a similar view, on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view illustrating the manner in which the top plate and bushing are attached to each other for retention of the bearing portion of the actuating lever.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of one of the stationary contacts with the binding screw terminal member attached thereto.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view, on the line 7 of Fig. 2, illustrating the manner in which the bus member or plate may be attached to two of the stationary contacts, when a single-circuit controlling four-break switch is required.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a modified form of insulating base, and showing slightly modified stationary and movable contacts assembled with respect thereto to provide a doublepole double-break switch.

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional View, line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a group of stationary contacts arranged to provide a switch mechanism of the three-point type.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a modified arrangement of movable contactors for cooperation with the contacts shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a plan view of the carrier illustrated in Figs. 8, 9 and 11, and

Fig. 13 is a sectional view, on the line 13-13 of Fig. 11, illustrating the manner of attaching the contactor to the insulating disk.

Referring first to Figs. 1 to 7, the numeral 15 designates the molded insulating base of the switch. I prefer to employ an insulating material of the phenol-formaldehyde condensation type, such as that sold commercially under the trade-name of bakelite. Base 15 is preferably of substantially rectangular contour as shown, and the same is provided with a recess 16 of substantially H-shape, when viewed from above. Adapted to be positioned within recess 16 at the four corners of on the the latter are a corresponding number of reflexed resilient contacts 17, 18, 19 and 20. All of said contacts may be made from blanks of identical form, but the blanks are bent or reflexed in one direction to form the righthand contacts 17, 20 and in the opposite direction to form the left-hand contacts 18,

19, the enlar d end ortionsof said contacts being slightly 0 set from the reflexed body portlons thereof, as best illustrated in Said end portions of the contacts are resepectivel provided with circular openings, and attached to contacts 17 and 18 are ter minal members 21 each of which has a square outer end portion, a cylindrical intermediate portion, and a reduced inner end portion which is accommodated b the opening .in the contact, so that said on portion may be upset for securing said parts to each other, as best illustrated in Fig. 6.

The opposite end walls of base 15 are notched or cut away from the uppersurface of the base, as indicated at 22 and 23 to accommodate the intermediate cylindrical portions of terminal members 21 and the square outer ends of the latter,wiring grooves 24 being provided in alinement with said notched or cut away portions, and terminal members 21 being tapped for reception of suitable bindin screws 25. Slots or recesses 26 and 2 are provided at opposite ends of the base whereby the enlarged end portions of the contacts may engage the inner surfaces of the respective end walls of the base. It will be seen that by the arrangement illustrated the contacts 17 and 18 with their terminal members 21 are adapted to fit snugly within the notches or recesses in one end wall of the base, so that the terminal members act as suitable supports for the contacts, and as hereinafter described suitable means are provided for retaining said parts in assembled relation to said base.

If the switch were to be of the double-pole double-break type (illustrated in Fig. 8), the contacts 19 and 20 would similarl be provided with terminal members 21. owever, in Figs. 1 to 7 the switch is shown as being of the four-break single-circuit controlling type, and accordingly I provide means for electrically and mechanically connecting contacts 19 and 20. Said means as shown may comprise a flat plate or bus member 28 which is provided ad acent to its ends with openings formed by extruding the material of the piece to provide integral cylindrical flanges 29 (Fig. 7) which are passed through the openings in the respective contacts and upset thereover, as indicated at 29*. The intermediate portion of bus member 28 fits within the recess 27 to insure proper posi-. tioning of the contacts 19 and 20 within the end portions of recess 16.

As indicated in dotted lines at 20 in Fig.

4, the free ends of the refiexed contacts of each pair 17, 20 and 18, 19 are normally biased toward each other,-circular punched plates 30 and 31 of insulating material being interposed between the free ends of the respective pairs of contacts to properly space the same and to place them under the desired degree of tension or compression. Disks 30 and 31 are peripherally engaged by said pairs of contacts whereby the former upon movement thereof act to wipe the contact surfaces of the latter to maintain the same in clean and smooth condition.

Disks 30 and 31 are of identical form and each is provided with a diametrically opposed pair of relatively shallow peripheral notches (indicated in dotted lines at 32 in Fig. 4) in which the arcuate inwardly bent ends 33 and 34 of bridging contactors 33 and 34 are partly embedded. As will be noted, however, said bent ends 33* and 34 extend outwardly slightly beyond the peripheries of the respective disks so that proper engagement of the former with the stationary contacts will be insured.

Contactors 33 and 3 1 are rigidly and permanently secured to disks 30 and 31 as by means of suitable rivets or eyelets 35. Disks 30 and 31 are likewise rigidly and permanently secured to opposite ends of a flat punched sheet metal carrier member 36, as by means of integral projections which penetrate central openings in the respective disks and are upset or riveted thereover as shown at 36 in Figs. 2 and 4. Said disks are provided with diametrically opposed peripheral notches 30 31 for reception of suitable lugs 36 on member 36 to lock said parts against relative rotation. The contactor s are provided with relatively large central openings (see 33 in Figs. 2 and 4) to provide clearance for the upset end portions 36 of the carrier.

Carrier 36 is preferably of substantially bail form as shown and the same is provided on opposite inner edges with hearing lugs, one of which is shown at 36 in Fig. 2. Said lugs are adapted to bear within the substantially circular portions 37 of openings provided in a pair of flat punched frame plates 38 of identical form, the upper portions 37* of said openings being preferably flared as illustrated to limit the throw of the carrier in opposite directions respectively, as indicated in Figs. 3 and 4.

In assembling the switch parts the frame plates 38 are loosely positioned with respect to carrier 36, a suitable jig or tool being employed to maintain the plates in properly spaced relation during insertion thereof with the carrier into recess 16. in the base.

. Plates 38 are provided at opposite edges thereof with lugs or projections 38 which are adapted to snugly fit within notches 38 provided upon base 15. As will be apparent the'carrier 36 embraces the frame plates 38 to retain the same against lateralmovement from said notches in the base. Thereafter the stationary contacts may be assembled with respect to the base in the manner aforeindicated,the upwardly extending reflexed portions of said contacts being distorted or compressed from the normal ppsltions thereof (dotted lines 20, Fig. 4) y such assemblin operation.

hen the stationary and movable contacts are thus assembled with respect to base 15, the lower end of a coiled compression spring 39 may be engaged with the a utment 36 provided on carrier 36. The upper end 39 of spring 39 is preferably bent to extend diametrically across the longitudinal center line of the latter. -As shown the spring end 39 extends through a transverse opening or passage in the lower end 40" of an actuating lever 40. The handle portion of lever 40 is freely insertable upwardly through the reduced bore 41 of an externally threaded hollow metal bushing 41,said reduced bore providing an annular internal shoulder 41 against which the substanti'all spherical enlargement 40 of lever 40 is a apted to bear.

The lower end of bushing 41 is of reduced diameter to rovide a cylindrical flange 41,- said flange eing notched or interrupted at diametrically opposite points as shown at 41 (Fig. 5). Flange 41 is insertable into a substantially circular opening 42 provided in the flat punched sheet metal top plate 42 of the switch,the notches 41 being adapted to accommodate the rojections or lugs 42 formed integrally wit plate 42 and extending into the opening 42". Flange 41 is upset over the lower face of plate 42 as indicated at 41 in Fig. 3 to rigidly secure said parts to each other,the lugs 42 cooperating with the shoulders formed by notches 41 to insure against turning of bushing 41 relatively to late 42. Lugs 42 also cooperate with a su stantially cylindrical portion 40 of lever 40 to limit the latter to oscillating movement in a single plane.

Top plate 42 is secured to base 15 as by means of a pair of screws 43 the shanks of which penetrate suitable passages in base 15 and take into tapped openings 42 in said plate. As shown in Fig. 3 said passages are countersunk upwardly for a considerable distance from the lower surface of base 15 to accommodate the screw heads and to permit the use of relatively short screws. Interposed between late 42 and the top surface of base 15 is a at punched plate 44' of insulating material, said plate 44 being adapted to overlie the contacts 17 to 20. inclusive, and their terminal elements to retain the same in assembled relation to the base. Spring 39 is initially compressed to a certain extent by assembly of the parts in the manner aforedescribed, and as will be apparent oscillating movements of lever 40 to opposite extreme positions will through the medium of said spring 39, efi'ect corresponding snap movements of carrier 36 and the contactors 33 and 34 attached thereto. Plate 42 may be'provided with suitable legends 45 and 46 to indicate the on and off positions of the switch.

As indicated'in Fig. 1 the switch aforedescribed is adapted for one-hole mounting,

the panel or supporting plate 47 being provided With an opening to accommodate bushing 41, nut 48 serving to clamp the switch to the panel, and nut 49 being employed to act as a lock nut and finishing element,--

or said nuts may be positioned on opposite sides of the panel. N

The manner of operating the switch to make or break circuit will be at once apparent. It may be noted, however, that my invention provides for the use of movable switch parts of relatively small dimensions and hence having only a small degree of inertia. Moreover, the peculiar arrangement illustrated enables theuse of a compression spring 39 of relatively heavy caliber. Therefore the switch parts move with tremendous speed to the on or the off positions. Similarly the peripheries of the respective disks 30 and 31 act as insulating barriers bebetween the stationary and movable contacts when the latter are moved to oil position, whereby snutfing or cooling of any arcs-incident to opening of the switch contacts is expedited. The bent ends 33 and 34 of contactors 33 and 34 will each project only approximately one sixty-fourth of an inch beyond the peripheries of the respective insulating disks, so that the pressure exerted by the reflexed portions of the stationary contacts will remain substantially constant in all positions of the switch parts. This feature is of great importance since it eliminates any tendency of the stationary contacts to bounce or vibrate during opening or closing of the circuit or circuits controlled by the switch.

The switch parts illustrated in Figs. 8 to 13, inclusive, are slightly difierent from those aforedescribed, but all of the important advantages of my improved mechanism are retained. Thus as shown in the latter figures the frame plates of the switch are eliminated and pivot projections 50* are provided at the respective outer ends of the flat punched sheet metal carrier 50. Insulating disks 51 and 52 similar to those aforedescribed are attached to carrier 50 by means of metal ferrules or tubes 53 and 54 which are held in clamping engagement with said disks by upsetting the ends of projections 50 as indicated at 50".

The insulating base 55 which may be of substantially the same external dimensions as that aforedescribed, is provided with a recess 56 to accommodate the several parts of the switch mechanism. The opposite side walls of said base are provided with notches or recesses57 and 57" o ening to the upper surface thereof, and within which notc es the ferrules 53 and 54 are adapted to bear.

The double-pole double-break switch illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 employs four stationary contacts 58 all of WhlCh are of identical form and dimensions,- each contact bemg rovided with a terminal, member 21 and a binding screw 25 of the character aforementioned. I

The bridging contactors 59 and as here illustrated are attached to the respective disks as by means of bendable lugs 59", 60 formed integrally therewith and adapted to penetrate suitably arranged openlngs 1n the disks, whereupon said lugs are bent over as best illustrated in Fig. 13 to secure said parts to each other.

The stationary contacts 58 in Fig. 10 are adapted to fit within the recess 56 in base 55, two of said contacts at one end of the base being electrically and mechanically con nected by means of the bus member 28 aforedescribed, and said connected pair of contacts being provided with a common wiring terminal member as illustrated. The other stationary contacts 58 of this group are provided with individual terminal members 21 and binding screws 25. As shown in Fig. 11 a special arrangement of the movable contactors 59 and 60 is required for cooperation with the contacts shown in Fig. 10 to provide a switch of the three-point type. Thus the disk 52 and its contactor 60 may be like that shown in Figs. 8 and 9, but the special disk 61 is notched and perforated to provide for attachment of contactor 59 thereto in a relation angularly offset with respect to the position of contactor 60. Therefore in each position of the switch parts illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 only one pair of the stationary contacts will be bridged by their respective contactor.

The cover plate, insulating plate, actuating lever and spring aforedescribed will be likewise employed in conjunction with the switch parts illustrated in Figs. 8 to 13.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an electric switch, in combination, a pair-of reflexed resilient contacts the free ends of which are normally biased toward each other, a circular disk of insulating material interposed between the free ends of said contacts and peripherally engaging the latter to tension the same, a contactor rigidly secured to said disk-and having diametrically opposed portions located upon the periphery of said disk, means for pivotally supporting said insulating disk, and means includinga compression spring for efi'ecting oscillating movement of said disk in opposite direct-ions respectively with a snap action.

tion', an insulating base, a pair of reflexed resilient contacts supported by said base with Y the free ends thereof normally biased toward each other, a circular insulating disk interposed between and peripherally engagingthe free ends of said contacts to space and tension the latter, a pivoted carrier to which said disk is rigidly secured, said disk having a pair of diametrically opposed peripheral notches, a bridging contactor rigidl secured to said disk, said contactor having ent end portions located within said notches and projecting outwardly slightly beyond the periphery of said disk, an actuating lever p1votally supported relatively to said base, and a compression spring interposed between said lever and said carrier to effect snap movement of, said contactor into and out of engagement with said contacts.

'3. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a recessed molded insulating'base, a plurality of reflexed resilient contacts freely insertable within said recess at the four corners of the base, a bridging contactor and carrier assembly freely insertable within said recess for pivotal support relatively to said base, a punched plate of insulating material adapted to overlie said contacts, and means for retaining all of said parts in assembled relation to said. base, said means comprising a metal top plate rigidly secured to said base in clamping engagement with said insulating plate, an actuating lever pivotally supported with respect to said top plate, and a coiled compression spring interposed between the lower end of said lever and the carrier.

4. In an electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a substantially H-shaped recess formed therein, reflexed resilient contacts located at the four corners of said recess and having portions interfitting with the respective end walls of said base, a flat punched sheet metal carrier pivotally supported within said recess, circular insulating disks rigidly secured to said carrier at opposite ends of the latter, each of said disks having a pair of diametrically opposed notches, a bridging-contactor rigidly secured to each of said disks and having arcuat-e lugs located within said notches and pro ecting outwardly beyond the periphery of the respective disks, said disks being positioned between the free ends of the respective contacts to initially tension the latter, a pivoted actuating lever, a spring interposed between said lever and said carrier, means for retaining all of said parts in assembled relation to said base, said means comprising a metal plate secured to the upper surface of said base, and an insulating plate interposed between said metal plate and certain of said contacts.

5. A toggle snap switch adapted for onewith the end walls of said base,

hole mounting, comprisinga molded insulating base recessed from the upper face p thereof, a plurality of resilient contact members freely insertable within said recess and having terminal portions thereof interfitting with the side walls of said base, a bridging contactor and carrier assembly freely insertable within said recess for pivotal support relatively to said base, said assembly comprising a flat punched sheet metal carrier member, a pair of circular insulating disks secured thereto at opposite ends thereof, and bridging contactors secured to the respective disks and having bent end portions peripherally engaging the latter, a flat punched plate of insulatlng material adapted to overlie said contacts, means for retaining all of said parts in assembled relation to said base, said means comprising a metal top plate secured to said base in clamping engagement with said insulating plate, an externally threaded hollow metal bushing secured to said top plate, an astuating lever pivotally supported by said top plate and said bushing, a coiled compression spring interposed between the lower end of said lever and the carrier, and a nut having threaded engagement with said bushing to clamp the switch to a suitable support.

6. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base recessed from the upper face thereof, stationary contacts freely insertable within said recess and having terminal portions thereof interfitting a contactor and carrier assembly freely insertable within said, recess, said assembly comprising a flat punched sheet metal carrier member, flat punched circular insulating disks secured to opposite ends of said carrier, and bridging contactors secured to the respective disks and having bent end portions peripherally engaging the latter, means affording a pivotal support for said carrier, said means comprising a pair of flat punched sheet metal plates having pivot openings therein for cooperation with said carrier, said plates being adapted for interfitting engagement with shoulders formed on said base, and means including an insulating plate and a clamping top plate for retaining all of said parts in as sembled relation to said base.

7. In a device of the character described, in combination, an externally threaded hollow metal bushing having a bore of reduced dimensions at the upper end thereof to provide an internal shoulder, a lever having a handle portion freely insertable upwardly through said reduced bore and having an intermediate enlarged portion adapted to bear against said shoulder, a perforated plate to which said bushing is rigidly secured and through which the lower end of said lever is adapted to extend, said plate having oppose lugs formed integrally therewith to limit d notches to interlock with opposite en siiid lever to oscillatory movement in a single ane. 8. In a toggle sna switch, in combination, an externally tlireaded hollow metal bushing having a bore of reduced dimensions at the upper end thereof to provide an internal shoulder, a' toggle lever having a handle portion freely insertable upwardly through said reduced bore and having an intermediate enlarged portion adapted to bear against said shoulder, having a substantially circular intermediate opening and lugs formed integrally with sa d plate and projecting into said opening, said bushing having a vertical flange adapted to penetrate said opening and being upset over the lower face of said plate to rigidg secure said bushing to the latter, said ange being interrupted at a plurality of points to accommodate the lugs aforementioned, and said lugs cooperating with portions of saidlever to retain the latter and to limit the same to oscillatory movement in a single plane.

9. A contactor and carrier assembly for electric snap switches comprising, in combination, a flat punched sheet metal carrier of substantially bail form, flat punched insulating disks of circular contour interengaged with the opposite ends of said carrier and rigidly secured to the latter, bridging contactors extending across the respective outer faces of said disks and having bent end portions peripherally engaging the latter, and means for rigidly securing said contactors to said disks.

10. A toggle snap switch comprising, in combination, a flat punched sheet metal carrier of substantially bail form, said carrier having a plurality of projections formed at each end thereof, a pair of flat punched insulating disks of circular contour, said disks being formed to accommodate said projections respectively and each being rigidly and permanently secured to said carrier, each of said disks having a pair of diametrically Opposed peripheral notches, bridging contactors extending across the outer faces of the respective disks and having bent end portions to seat within said peripheral notches, means for rigidly and permanently securing said contactors to said disks, and means for pivotally supporting said carrier.

11. A toggle snap switch comprising, in combination, a molded insulating base recessed from the upper surface thereof, vertically alined opposed slots formed in the side walls of said base to provide open pivotal bearings, aflat punched sheet metal carrier member of substantially U-form, said mem-' ber having integral projections to be accommodated by said slots, a pair of flat punched insulating disks of circular contour halving said carrier member and having openings a flat punched plate toaccommodate said projections on the latter, cylindrical metal ferrules fitted onto the respective projections and adapted to form -bearlng portions for said carrier member,

said projections being upset over the outer ends of said ferrules whereby the latter are adapted to permanently clamp said disks in assembled relation to said carrier member,

- bridging contactors extending across the outer faces of said disks and havin bent end portions to peripherally engage t e latter, and means to rigidly and permanently secure said contactors to said, disks, said --means comprising bendable lugs formed int'egrally with said contactors and said disks havin openings to receive said lugs.

; 12, n an electric snap switch, in combination, a cup-shaped molded insulating base of substantially rectangular contour, a reflexed resilient contact at each of the four corners of the base within the recess, all of said contacts being of identical form and dimensions and each having means associated therewith -:to provide for support thereof by the end walls of said base, a pair of circular insulatingdisks against the peripheries of wh ch the opposed contacts ofeach pair are respectively adapted to bear, bridging contactors carried by said disks, said contactors having inward- -for pivotally supporting said carrier within said recess, and common means for retaining all of said parts in assembled relation to said base.

, 13. In an electric snap switch, in combna- "tion, a molded insulating base recessed from the upper surface thereof, a pair of reflexed resilient contacts located in spaced relation to each other at one end of said base and extending into said recess, each of said contacts having an opening, a bus member for electrically connectingsaid contacts, said bus member comprising a fiat punched metal plate having openings formed adjacent to the respective ends thereof and cylindrical flanges integral therewith and surrounding said openings, said flanges being insertable within the openings in said contacts and upset over the latter to mechanically and electrically connect said contacts and said'b'us member, said base having a groove to accommodate said bus member and portions of said contacts whereby the latter are definitely positioned within said recess, and'means including an insulating plate adapted to overlie said contacts and said bus memberto {)etain the latter in assembled relation to said ase. V

14. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base recessed from the upper surface thereof, a pair of reflexed resilient contacts located in spaced relation to each other at one end of said base and ex tending into said recess, each of said contacts having an opening, a bus member for electricall'y connecting said contacts, said bus member, comprising a flat punched metal plate having openings formed adjacent to the respective ends thereof and cylindrical flanges integral therewith and surrounding said openings, within the openings in said contacts and upset over the latter to mechanically and electrically connect said contacts and said bus member, said base having a groove to accommodate said bus member and portions of said contacts whereby the latter are definitely positioned within said recess, means includm an insulating plate adapted to overlie sai contacts and said bus member to retain the latter in assembled relation to said base, one of said contacts having a wiring terminal member rigidly secured thereto, and the end wall of said base being recessed to afford lateral access to said terminal member.

15. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base recessed from the upper face thereof, a switch frame comprising a pair of separately formed flat punched sheet metal plates, a contactor comprising a punched sheet metal member pivotally supported by said frame plates, said member and said frame plates being freely insertable jointly within said recess and said frame plates being retained in spaced relation to each other by shoulders formed in Said recess, a metal top plate secured to said base and adapted to overlie said frame plates to retain the latter within said recess, and an insulating plate interposed between said top plate and said frame plates.

16. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a recessed molded insulating base, a pair of flat punched sheet metal frame plates of identical form freely insertable, edgewise within said recess and held in parallel spaced relation to each other by vertical shoulders formed in the recess, a punched sheet metal member pivotally supported by said frame plates, an insulating member overlying said frame plates and having clamping engagement with the upper edges of the latter, a pivoted actuating lever having end portions thereof extending respectively above and below said insulating member, and a coiled compression spring interposed between the lower end portion of said lever and said sheet metal member.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

GEORGE J. MEUER.

said flanges being insertable' 

